DCNR summer resident camp deadline is April 15

April 15 also happens to be the application deadline for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' summer residential camp for young state residents interested in environmental careers.

The six-day camp begins July 12 and is held at Kirby Episcopal House and Chapel on Route 437 in Mountain Top, Luzerne County, near Nescopeck State Park.

"Since beginning 13 years ago, Exploring Careers Outdoors Camp has become one of DCNR's strongest success stories," DCNR acting Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said in a news release. "We've successfully worked with hundreds of young people to hone their awareness of the natural world and the variety of related careers available to them."

A total of 20 students Grades 10-12 will be selected for the camp and be able to explore conservation projects, aquatic life, forestry and team-building in an outdoors setting.

"Past campers have come from small towns and large cities, forming a unique pool of intelligence, spirit and commitment to environmental improvement," Dunn said. "In addition, many DCNR employees have supported this camp effort, some coming back year after year."

Campers will receive information on how to land internships, job-shadowing and other career-related experience through the camp's mentor program. For more information or to apply for the camp, go online to http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/ecocamp, email RA-ECO_Camp@pa.gov, or call 717-425-5330.

Schnaible-Klotz trout tournament: The Saucon Valley Community Center will hold its ninth annual Phyllis Schnaible-George Klotz Fishing Tournament on April 11. The children's contest will run 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and the adult contest will run 1-4:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the Saucon Valley Community Center and Klotz's Bait & Tackle. For more information, call 610-838-0722.

Nature photo show and contest at Lehigh Gap Nature Center: Check out the second annual Nature in Photographs show at the Lehigh Gap Nature Center's osprey house running through Saturday, featuring 90 photos by amateur photographers from throughout the Lehigh Valley.

The show is free to the public 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, with evening hours Wednesday through Friday. In addition to winners selected by a panel of judges, visitors may vote for their favorite photo to receive the People's Choice Award.

For more information, contact LGNC at 610-760-8889, lgnc@ptd.net, or check online at http://lgnc.org.

Basic Boating Course at Beltzville: Beltzville State Park is hosting a free Basic Boating Course taught by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission 6-10 p.m. April 13 and April 15.

Participants need to attend both nights of the classroom-setting course, which is designed to supply boaters with practical information to make better-informed decisions on the water.

Students who successfully complete the course may apply for a Boating Safety Education Certificate for a $10 fee. The certificate is required of all operators of personal watercraft or anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1982, who operates a motorboat of more than 25 horsepower.

Preregistration is required. Call Beltzville State Park at 610-377-0045 to register. More information about this course or boating safety can be found by visiting the PFBC website at http://www.fishandboat.com.

Chamberlin to replace Zwikl: Silas A. Chamberlin of Allentown will be replacing Kurt D. Zwikl as executive director of the Schuylkill River National and State Heritage Area. Zwikl is retiring from the post June 30. Chamberlin is expected to begin his new role May 4 in order to allow for a smooth transition.

Chamberlin, who worked for the DCNR and the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, has a doctorate in environmental history from Lehigh University and a book manuscript titled "On the Trail: A History of American Hiking" under review for publication. He has served on Pennsylvania's Statewide Trails Advisory Committee and as an adviser to numerous regional trail organizations.

The Schuylkill River Heritage Area is working to build and improve the Schuylkill River Trail. So far, approximately 60 miles of the projected 130-mile trail have been completed.